Sunday, January 18, 2009

Do the Next Thing

This poem hangs on my refrigerator; I'm in a season where I need the daily reminder desperately. I thought I'd post it here for you to see, too (I do not know the original author, but I know Elisabeth Elliott has quoted from it):

From an old English parsonage down by the seaThere came in the twilight a message to me;Its quaint Saxon legend, deeply engraven,Hath, it seems to me, teaching from Heaven.And on through the doors the quiet words ringLike a low inspiration: “Do the next thing.”

Many a questioning, many a fear,Many a doubt, hath its quieting here.Moment by moment, let down from Heaven,Time, opportunity, and guidance are given.Fear not tomorrows, child of the King,Trust them with Jesus, do the next thing.

Do it immediately, do it with prayer;Do it reliantly, casting all care;Do it with reverence, tracing His handWho placed it before thee with earnest command.Stayed on Omnipotence, safe ‘neath His wing,Leave all results, do the next thing.

Looking for Jesus, ever serener,Working or suffering, be thy demeanor;In His dear presence, the rest of His calm,The light of His countenance be thy psalm,Strong in His faithfulness, praise and sing.Then, as He beckons thee, do the next thing.

30 Comments

I love that! I've never heard it before, but it kind of reminds me of the saying, "Take it one day at a time". Just keep putting one foot in front of the other. Don't give up and trust God to handle the details, right?

I absolutely love Elisabeth Elliot! I grew up with my mom always encouraging me with that simple yet profound phrase, "do the next thing"...it is still something she reminds me of to this day! So true...thanks for sharing this!! :)

You've obviously hit a nerve with all of us. Thanks for sharing this beautiful poem and it's powerful message. I know I needed to hear it right now, and I am sure many others feel the same way from the comments above.

you will never know what this poem just meant to me...i in a struggle at the moment against my self....I suffer with depression and am at a low spot right now..i get overwhelmed...very easily,..so thank you...this will be getting posted and written and copied, anything i can do to make it stick..